Ex Nba Players Who Are Jehovah's Witness

The Jehovah’s Witness Faith

Jehovah’s Witnesses are a Christian denomination known for their door-to-door evangelism and their refusal to participate in politics, military service, and blood transfusions. The faith was founded in the late 19th century by Charles Taze Russell, and it currently boasts over 8 million members worldwide.

The NBA and Religion

Religion and the NBA have had a long and complicated relationship. Many players are deeply religious, and some even credit their faith for their success on the court. However, the league has also had its fair share of controversies involving religion, such as the infamous “Malice at the Palace” brawl in 2004, which was sparked by a fan throwing a drink at Indiana Pacers player Ron Artest, who later changed his name to Metta World Peace, after he thanked God in his post-game interview.

Ex NBA Players Who Are Jehovah’s Witness

Despite the controversies, there have been several ex NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses. One of the most famous is Michael Jordan’s former teammate, Scottie Pippen. Pippen was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness in the late 1990s and has been open about his faith ever since. Another ex NBA player who is a Jehovah’s Witness is Mark Jackson. Jackson played for several teams during his career, including the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers. He was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness in the early 1990s and has been an active member of the faith ever since.

The Challenges of Being a Jehovah’s Witness in the NBA

Being a Jehovah’s Witness in the NBA can be challenging, especially when it comes to certain aspects of the faith, such as refusing blood transfusions. In 2015, former NBA player and Jehovah’s Witness Etan Thomas wrote an op-ed for the Washington Post about the difficulties of balancing his faith and his career, saying that he had to “defend” his beliefs to doctors and teammates who didn’t understand them. However, there are also many benefits to being a Jehovah’s Witness in the NBA. For example, the faith’s emphasis on clean living and healthy habits can be beneficial for athletes, who need to take care of their bodies in order to perform at their best.

The Importance of Faith in the NBA

Regardless of their specific beliefs, many NBA players find comfort and motivation in their faith. Some, like Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry, even use their platform to spread their message of faith to others. In an interview with Christianity Today, Curry said that his faith is “everything” to him and that he wants to use his platform to “impact as many lives as [he] can.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, being a Jehovah’s Witness in the NBA can be challenging, but it’s also a source of strength and inspiration for many players. Whether they’re using their faith to stay motivated on the court or to spread a message of hope to their fans, ex NBA players who are Jehovah’s Witnesses are an important part of the league’s diverse religious landscape.